FGASA stands for the Field Guidelines Association of South
Africa. They provide educational courses and opportunities to help to conserve
areas of South Africa. They also help with the educational development of
tourist guides and trackers , by providing a number of training
courses and examinations. This article takes a look at the services that the
FGASA offer.
They have several different courses which allow individuals
to develop skills in trail guiding, nature guiding, rifle handling, horse
guiding and cave guiding.
A nature guide is an individual who takes
people on tours, and explains the different types of plants and animals in a
certain geographical location. The Local Nature Guide Course (NQF2), will teach
you how to safely look after customers , and identify living and nonliving features
in a natural environment. There are several different levels of a nature guide
course, each designed for people with different background experience. You will
be assessed on both practical and theoretical examinations, and you will be
required to keep a logbook of your experiences while on the course.
On
the website there is a special job listings section, which has details of some
of the current tourist guide job openings available in South Africa. The job
listings can be found by clicking on the ‘job market’ link in the sidebar. There
is also an online store, where you can order specialist wildlife and tracking
books, customized binoculars , backpacks, bug posters and clothing. Some
of the products for sale are discounted for FGASA members.
FGASA offer a
membership program that is open to anyone who is interested in conservation,
tracking, or registering with the Department of Tourism. For a small fee you can
have an annual membership card, and you will receive an information guide about
the FGASA, a guiding logbook , a field magazine, and the Level 1 learner
manual and workbook. Payment can be made by bank transfer, or by sending a
cheque in the post.
Information about all of the courses that the FGASA
offer can be found on their official website. You can also contact them by
email, post or telephone. There are as many good reasons to consider purchasing
an antique engagement ring as there are reasons for deciding when to pop the
question. While modern day jewelers struggle to offer customers something unique
and contemporary, the bride-to-be may be more inclined to appreciate the style
and inherent charm of an antique. Another perfectly acceptable reason for
purchasing antique engagement rings is they often offer buyers a better quality
diamond at a lower price than purchasing a new ring.
Before beginning
your search for the perfect wedding ring, it is best to ask yourself a few
questions.
Do you know about the four C's?
The four C's are the
criteria professionals use to determine the value of a diamond.
"Clarity
takes into account the number , character, and visibility of flaws
within the stone. These are often referred to as inclusions. The fewer
inclusions, the better the quality of the stone."
Carat is the size or
weight of the diamond. The larger the stone, the higher the cost. An advantage
to buying antique engagement rings is that in the 1930s and 1940s jewelers often
compensated for a smaller sized diamond by setting it in an intricately designed
white gold, square-shaped box. These made the stone appear larger.
"Color
is a matter of taste. Modern-day standards put a higher value on a clear
diamonds, as a rule. In the past , buyers wanted their diamonds to reflect a
rainbow of colors, soft pinks, yellow, or green tints. While colored diamonds
are still available today, they were considered more valuable in the past. It is
also important to note that many of the modern colored diamonds are artificially
altered to enhance the color."
Cut is also a matter of taste and another
reason antique engagement rings may be the best answer. Over the years, the
preference of cut has changed. Additionally , a laser now cuts most diamonds; whereas
older stones were normally cut by hand, giving them a more customized, romantic
look.
What is the difference between an antique ring and an estate
ring?
Antique rings normally refer to rings that are over 50 years old.
Rings less than 50 years old and purchased used are considered as estate
rings.
What are the styles of different eras?
Victorian Era
(1835-1900) - Victorian era antique engagement rings featured diamonds or pearls
set in yellow or rose gold. The ring styles varied fr om simple elegance to
intricate detail. Many settings featured rows of diamonds that were cut with an
extra facet in the bottom of the stone. This was known as a mine
cut.
Edwardian Era (1900-1920) - With the invention of the oxyacetylene
torch, platinum became the preferred metal for the period. The wedding bands
were often crafted with lacy and pierced shapes, milgraining, filigree
detail , and scrollwork. Rose-cut diamonds and sapphires
were the preferred stones.
Art Deco Era (1920-1930) - Art Deco antique
engagement rings feature a streamlined geometric look. They also reflect
Egyptian, Asian, and Native American cultures. These rings were often made of
platinum featured colorful, contrasting gemstones as well as
diamonds.
Where can antique engagement rings be purchased?
Antique
engagement rings can be purchased in a number of places: antique stores, estate
sales, pawn shops , auctions, and there sel ect vendors online and larger
cities who specialize in the purchase and resale of antique jewelry. No matter
wh ere you purchase your engagement rings, remember to get a full description of
your purchase in writing and look to vendors who offer a written returns
policy.
Africa. They provide educational courses and opportunities to help to conserve
areas of South Africa. They also help with the educational development of
tourist guides and trackers , by providing a number of training
courses and examinations. This article takes a look at the services that the
FGASA offer.
They have several different courses which allow individuals
to develop skills in trail guiding, nature guiding, rifle handling, horse
guiding and cave guiding.
A nature guide is an individual who takes
people on tours, and explains the different types of plants and animals in a
certain geographical location. The Local Nature Guide Course (NQF2), will teach
you how to safely look after customers , and identify living and nonliving features
in a natural environment. There are several different levels of a nature guide
course, each designed for people with different background experience. You will
be assessed on both practical and theoretical examinations, and you will be
required to keep a logbook of your experiences while on the course.
On
the website there is a special job listings section, which has details of some
of the current tourist guide job openings available in South Africa. The job
listings can be found by clicking on the ‘job market’ link in the sidebar. There
is also an online store, where you can order specialist wildlife and tracking
books, customized binoculars , backpacks, bug posters and clothing. Some
of the products for sale are discounted for FGASA members.
FGASA offer a
membership program that is open to anyone who is interested in conservation,
tracking, or registering with the Department of Tourism. For a small fee you can
have an annual membership card, and you will receive an information guide about
the FGASA, a guiding logbook , a field magazine, and the Level 1 learner
manual and workbook. Payment can be made by bank transfer, or by sending a
cheque in the post.
Information about all of the courses that the FGASA
offer can be found on their official website. You can also contact them by
email, post or telephone. There are as many good reasons to consider purchasing
an antique engagement ring as there are reasons for deciding when to pop the
question. While modern day jewelers struggle to offer customers something unique
and contemporary, the bride-to-be may be more inclined to appreciate the style
and inherent charm of an antique. Another perfectly acceptable reason for
purchasing antique engagement rings is they often offer buyers a better quality
diamond at a lower price than purchasing a new ring.
Before beginning
your search for the perfect wedding ring, it is best to ask yourself a few
questions.
Do you know about the four C's?
The four C's are the
criteria professionals use to determine the value of a diamond.
"Clarity
takes into account the number , character, and visibility of flaws
within the stone. These are often referred to as inclusions. The fewer
inclusions, the better the quality of the stone."
Carat is the size or
weight of the diamond. The larger the stone, the higher the cost. An advantage
to buying antique engagement rings is that in the 1930s and 1940s jewelers often
compensated for a smaller sized diamond by setting it in an intricately designed
white gold, square-shaped box. These made the stone appear larger.
"Color
is a matter of taste. Modern-day standards put a higher value on a clear
diamonds, as a rule. In the past , buyers wanted their diamonds to reflect a
rainbow of colors, soft pinks, yellow, or green tints. While colored diamonds
are still available today, they were considered more valuable in the past. It is
also important to note that many of the modern colored diamonds are artificially
altered to enhance the color."
Cut is also a matter of taste and another
reason antique engagement rings may be the best answer. Over the years, the
preference of cut has changed. Additionally , a laser now cuts most diamonds; whereas
older stones were normally cut by hand, giving them a more customized, romantic
look.
What is the difference between an antique ring and an estate
ring?
Antique rings normally refer to rings that are over 50 years old.
Rings less than 50 years old and purchased used are considered as estate
rings.
What are the styles of different eras?
Victorian Era
(1835-1900) - Victorian era antique engagement rings featured diamonds or pearls
set in yellow or rose gold. The ring styles varied fr om simple elegance to
intricate detail. Many settings featured rows of diamonds that were cut with an
extra facet in the bottom of the stone. This was known as a mine
cut.
Edwardian Era (1900-1920) - With the invention of the oxyacetylene
torch, platinum became the preferred metal for the period. The wedding bands
were often crafted with lacy and pierced shapes, milgraining, filigree
detail , and scrollwork. Rose-cut diamonds and sapphires
were the preferred stones.
Art Deco Era (1920-1930) - Art Deco antique
engagement rings feature a streamlined geometric look. They also reflect
Egyptian, Asian, and Native American cultures. These rings were often made of
platinum featured colorful, contrasting gemstones as well as
diamonds.
Where can antique engagement rings be purchased?
Antique
engagement rings can be purchased in a number of places: antique stores, estate
sales, pawn shops , auctions, and there sel ect vendors online and larger
cities who specialize in the purchase and resale of antique jewelry. No matter
wh ere you purchase your engagement rings, remember to get a full description of
your purchase in writing and look to vendors who offer a written returns
policy.